The LA Galaxy are reportedly preparing an audacious move for free agent Philippe Coutinho as they scramble to save their 2026 campaign before it even kicks off.
With the primary transfer window closing on March 26, the Galaxy are looking to the 33-year-old Brazilian to fill the creative void left by Riqui Puig, who was officially ruled out for the entire season following a second ACL surgery in January.
The Riqui Puig Disaster
The Galaxy’s 2026 title aspirations took a massive hit when the club confirmed that their Spanish maestro, who missed all of 2025, will now also miss all of 2026.
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The Setback: After returning to light training in late 2024, Puig suffered a catastrophic reinjury. Surgeon Dr. Ramón Cugat performed a second reconstructive procedure in Barcelona on January 3, 2026.
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The Timeline: Puig is now not expected to return until the 2027 season, leaving the Galaxy without their primary playmaker for two consecutive years.
Coutinho: Seeking a Mental Fresh Start
Philippe Coutinho arrives as a free agent under unique and sensitive circumstances. On February 18, 2026, the former Liverpool and Barcelona star terminated his contract with Vasco da Gama, citing “mental exhaustion.”
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The Exit: Coutinho was reportedly jeered by his own fans during a match against Volta Redonda last week. In an emotional Instagram post, he stated, “I realized that my cycle at the club had come to an end… I have decided not to return in order to prioritize my mental health.”
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The Stats: Despite the drama, he remains productive, tallying 11 goals and 5 assists in the 2025 Brazilian season.
The Roster Puzzle: How to Fit Him In
Signing Coutinho isn’t as simple as handing him a jersey. The Galaxy already have a full house of Designated Players (DPs) following the January arrival of João Klauss.
| LA Galaxy 2026 DP Roster | Status |
| Gabriel Pec | Active DP |
| Joseph Paintsil | Active DP |
| João Klauss | New DP (Acquired from St. Louis City SC) |
| Riqui Puig | Season-Ending Injury (SEI) List |
The Solution: While placing Puig on the SEI list grants the club roster relief, it does not automatically grant salary cap relief for a new DP. To sign Coutinho, the Galaxy would likely need to:
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Buy down João Klauss: Use Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) to reduce Klauss’s budget hit below the DP threshold.
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Formation Shift: Manager Greg Vanney would have to figure out how to play Coutinho alongside Marco Reus, who currently occupies the #10 role.
Matchday 1: NYCFC comes to Carson
As the Coutinho rumors swirl, the actual football begins tomorrow. The Galaxy host New York City FC in their home opener at Dignity Health Sports Park.
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Kickoff: Sunday, Feb 22, 2026 @ 4:00 PM PT (Apple TV – MLS Season Pass)
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Debut Watch: All eyes will be on new defensive signing Jakob Glesnes and striker João Klauss.